Big Lots steps in as Hostess thrift outlet

Published: February 11, 2014 7:26AM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Big Lots is now the official thrift outlet for Twinkies and other Hostess snack cakes.

The Columbus-based closeout retailer said Monday it is now selling the iconic snack cakes at reduced prices, stepping in for the thrift stores that Hostess operated until the company filed for bankruptcy and closed its factories in November 2012.

When the new owners of Hostess started making snacks again in June, they reopened four plants but not the thrift stores.

That's where Big Lots comes in. The company says stores will receive assortments of the cakes every week that will vary by outlet and be sold at a discount.